Thurston County Public Defense is currently recruiting for two (2) Defense Attorney positions. These are regular full-time positions with an end date. A Defense Attorney practices in either District Court, Juvenile Court, or Superior Court with moderate to minimal supervision from a higher-level defense attorney. Immediate placement for these positions will be in the Superior Court Unit for felony representation in response to the Washington State Supreme Courts decision on State vs. Blake.

Depending upon qualifications, the successful applicant will be placed either at a Defense Attorney I or Defense Attorney II level. The Defense Attorney II is distinguished by years of experience and the responsibility to handle both adult and juvenile felony and misdemeanor caseloads.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Provides legal representation to clients affected by State vs. Blake as identified by Thurston County Public Defense under the jurisdiction of the Thurston County Superior Court.
• Communicates with clients that are incarcerated at several Washington State Department of Correctional facilities, the Thurston County Accountability and Restitution Center and other correctional facilities throughout Washington State.
• Performs research for State vs. Blake resentencing; prepares motions and orders to vacate convictions, and other related work that pertains to State vs. Blake. 
• Performs a variety of legal office work, prepares appropriate legal pleadings, does necessary research, maintains required statistical information.
• Performs other legal work as required.

Qualifications

• Defense Attorney I:  Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law and must be a member of the Washington State Bar Association.
• Defense Attorney II: Graduation from an ABA accredited school of law and must be a member of the Washington State Bar Association with a minimum of two (2) years of practice as an attorney with criminal trial experience or its equivalent. 

           AND

• Knowledge of all criminal rules of Washington State, techniques of interviewing and preparation and defense of all variety of criminal cases, with emphasis on lower level felonies and all misdemeanors.
• Knowledge of RCW 13.34; good communication with parents, legal custodians and guardians.
• Ability to perform legal research; analyze and apply legal principles, facts, evidence, and precedents to legal problems.
• Present law, facts evidence and arguments clearly and logically in written and oral form.
• Work harmoniously and maintain good public relations.

Other Position Related Information

Questions about this position?
For more information about this position, please contact Mia Pagnotta, (360) 786-5868.

This position is:
- NOT represented by a Union
- NOT eligible for overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
- Eligible for benefits

Items required for consideration:
- Application
- Letter of Interest
- Resume
- Supplemental Questionnaire (Question 1)
- Applications Disclosure Form (Pursuant to RCW Section 43.43.830) (Questions 2-7)

All details here.